Washington, December 3, 2024 – The Europe Today: President-elect Donald Trump is set to visit Paris later this week to attend the reopening ceremony of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral on December 7. This marks Trump’s first overseas trip since his re-election in November for a second non-consecutive term as U.S. president.
Discussions regarding the visit have been underway for days between Trump’s team and French President Emmanuel Macron’s office, with the French government extending an official invitation. “President Emmanuel Macron has done a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “It will be a very special day for all!”
The reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, which suffered extensive damage in a 2019 fire, is expected to draw significant global attention, with around 50 heads of state and government slated to attend, according to Paris Police Chief Laurent Nunez.
Trump and Macron have shared a complex relationship during the former’s first term, often described as a blend of camaraderie and contention. Macron was the first foreign leader to congratulate Trump on his election victory, expressing optimism about renewed collaboration in a message on X (formerly Twitter): “Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump. Ready to work together as we did for four years. With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.” The two leaders also had a phone call shortly afterward, Macron’s office confirmed.
Trump has long been captivated by Notre Dame Cathedral. In 2019, as news of the devastating fire unfolded, he shared his thoughts on social media, calling the event “horrible to watch” and suggesting immediate action to combat the flames.
The Paris visit also coincides with Trump’s announcement of Charles Kushner, his son-in-law Jared Kushner’s father, as the next U.S. ambassador to France. Kushner, a real estate developer, received a presidential pardon from Trump in 2020 following a conviction in 2005.
In addition, Macron is reportedly planning to host Trump and other global leaders, including Elon Musk, at a summit on artificial intelligence in February 2025. The Paris trip follows a recent meeting between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, marking the first in-person interaction between Trump and a G7 leader since his re-election.
